Everything is interconnected.
How we live determines what we become; the manner of living, not the genome which supports our living, is the basis of evolutionary change.
Humberto Maturana
From molecules of emotion to microbes in the gut, we are holistic systems. From the electromagnetic field of the heart communicating with the brain and the fields of others around us, we are interconnected systems.
We are living through a particularly troublesome time where technological birth practices, forced conditioning in schools, disconnection from nature and the separation of humans through isolation is harming developing children. We have a responsibility to protect the rights and wellbeing of our children. Understanding our own biology – how children learn, develop and grow is crucial to making decisions that impact children.
Children’s thriving growth is a multi-faced process, including physical, mental, emotional, sociomoral development. Experiences in childhood influence long term mental and physical health. Early experiences shape physiological and psychological development (Gottlieb, 2002).
We are holistic systems and cannot treat our health and development in separate, compartmentalized ways. What effects one system has an impact on another. As a mother and an educator, I would be terribly untrue to my own soul to not share what I have spent years studying – the interconnected nature of human development. We have a responsibility to our children to ensure they grow up in safe, loving and nurturing spaces.
If you’d like to learn more about our biology and how children develop, do check out my podcast, Life As If It Mattered
RESOURCES
Holistic Education
Holistic educators take a unique approach to learning, responding to the unique needs and stages of the individual child. A holistic approach isn’t a one size fits all system, but rather an awareness of the interconnectedness of everything. Children are born with an innate drive to learn, and when supported, can direct their own learning experiences – leading to deep and meaningful learning. If you need support in your work with young learners, check out my Curious Learning Supports, or keep scrolling for more resources.
Home Learning Co Ops
If your family is struggling with current school mandates, one option is to remove your children from the current system and participate in local home learning co ops where the responsibility for care and education is shared by the participants in the group. If you’re not sure where to start in forming or joining a co op, please feel free to reach out to rainesillito@gmail.com
Holistic Wellbeing
Our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing is all connected. We cannot approach wellbeing (or learning) without understanding the interconnected nature of our own selves. As a parent, you are gifted with intuition that you can trust – you know your children better than anyone, and you have the capacity to sift through information and determine what is best for your family. Trust yourself. Not sure where to start learning to trust yourself? Learn more about your own inner workings here: Nourishing Her
Useful Links
A 21st Century Parenting Manifesto
Alternative Education Resource Organization
Case Studies
Case Study A
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Case Study B
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Testimonials
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Jane Done
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Jane Doe
chasing wonder, living slowly 